In December 2004, after a difficult year, Afflerbach announced that he would not run for another term.

[1] Afflerbach is a Democrat and began his career in politics as a State Representative for the 131st district, a position he held from 1983 through 1986.

[3] His final year in office was mired in difficulty dealing with Allentown's city council.

Some former supporters asked for Afflerbach's resignation, and he was blamed for nearly bungling a deal to bring a Minor League Baseball park to Allentown.

Afflerbach spoke in late 2007 at a fundraiser sponsored by Hugs for Puppies, a group pushing for the ban of the sale of foie gras in Philadelphia.